Tilapia, a large fish that is a good source of protein, is historically of major importance in artisan fishing in Africa. With assistance from BLCF, tilapia fish farming systems are being developed in rural area of Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape in South Africa. The intention is to contribute towards improving food security and livelihoods, creating jobs and increasing skills training, as well providing a valuable alternative to traditional low income crops in rural areas of Africa.
The transfer of aquaculture technologies developed by the University of Stellenbosch to rural communities has seen a regional hatchery established in Mathubathuba, in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, to supply fingerlings in the region, while local tribal communities, working with the department of agriculture, own a fish farm at Lydysmith.
The demonstration unit established at Makhatini Research Station in Jozinia has led to the development of four satellite farming systems in the Western Cape, three in Kwa-Zulu Natal, as well as ones in Tukela Estate and Pongola Poort Dam
BLCF's original partners such as Aquastel, Fishgen, Irvin & Johnson, Umfofiozi Cooperative Sugar Planters and New Farmers Development Company, who provided coordination, business and technology management, capital, infrastructure and evaluation, have been joined by the Agriculture Research Council, Jozini Aquaculture Projects and Vunani Aqualture Projects.
As hatchery practices, reproductive control, production management, nutrition, processing and marketing improved, turnover, profitability and competitiveness in supplying both local and export markets increased.
Such has been the success of the initial project, which now supplies value-added frozen fish fillets in various packing formats, that similar ones have been launched in other provinces, including Northern Cape, North West Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
In an area of high unemployment, low income, insecure food supplies and low skill levels, more than 125 jobs have been created, 68 small scale fish farmers have been formally trained and 26 department of agriculture regional managers have an improved understanding of regional strategic planning and management.
On a broader scale, there has been an invaluable increase in awareness and understanding among the public and private sectors by local, regional and national governments working together with large small to medium enterprises and large fishing companies.
For more information contact BLCF fund manager, the Emerging Markets Group at this address